Imageless computer navigation for placement of the femoral component in resurfacing arthroplasty of the hip.

We have investigated the accuracy of placement of the femoral component using imageless navigation in 100 consecutive Birmingham Hip Resurfacings. Pre-operative templating determined the native neck-shaft angle and planned stem-shaft angle of the implant. The latter were verified post-operatively using digital anteroposterior unilateral radiographs of the hip. The mean neck-shaft angle determined before operation was 132.7 degrees (118 degrees to 160 degrees ). The mean planned stem-shaft angle was a relative valgus alignment of 9.7 degrees (SD 2.6). The stem-shaft angle after operation differed from that planned by a mean of 2.8 degrees (SD 2.0) and in 86% of cases the final angle measured within +/- 5 degrees of that planned. We had no instances of notching of the neck or varus alignment of the implant in our series. A learning curve was observed in the time taken for navigation, but not for accurate placement of the implant. Navigation in hip resurfacing may afford the surgeon a reliable and accurate method of placement of the femoral component.